Hunger play kicks off Project Hope

Project Hope, a local community driven initiative to bring attention to the homeless and hungry in Rhode Island, begins tonight, March 19 at 7 with the performance of "But for the Grace ... Voices of Hunger," a one-man play about hunger in American society today.

The play, which will be held at Barrington High School, is open to the public and free, although a donation of canned goods or money is encouraged. All proceeds from the event will go to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

The play is written and directed by David Eliet, performed by Bob Jaffe, and deals with one of life's most basic needs — nourishment — and what it's like when that need can not be met.

"But for the Grace" is the first of two events being organized by members of Beyond Our Walls, a non-profit interfaith group committed to do good for the local community and beyond. BOW members include people from various faith traditions as well as individuals with no religious affiliation.

Liz Crawley, an executive officer of BOW, saw the play last fall and found it very moving.

"It held me captive. It clearly spoke to the many faces of hunger and opened my eyes even more. I have been involved in a lot of outreach endeavors but this play really shows how hunger touches people at so many levels," Mrs. Crawley said.

"But for the Grace ... Voices of Hunger" was based upon over 100 interviews in August 2005 with food pantry clients, volunteers and staff. It played to standing ovations in its premiere at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence. The play is about 75 minutes long and will be followed by a question and answer period.

BOW is looking for local businesses or individuals to sponsor the play and donations will be accepted until March 17 to be included in the playbill.

Go to projecthope@bowri.org for more information.

Project Hope sleep-out

The second event will be held on Saturday, March 29. Barrington High School varsity soccer field will be the designated site for a "homeless" sleep-out. The sleep-out is for any high school student who lives in Barrington, attends high school in town, or worships at a congregation in Barrington.

The sleep-out will take place rain or shine.

Organizers are hopeful that Project Hope is more than just an event for high school students. Paula Ferrato, of BOW, said the group is hoping the entire Barrington community takes part in some way, may it be donating goods or volunteering their time by chaperoning at the event.

"This is a community event to raise awareness about homelessness and hunger in our state. There are so many ways for an adult community member to participate," she said.

Adult chaperones will be on site and volunteers are needed to help with registration check, and chaperoning the sleep-out. Also needed are people to work the first aid station.

How it will work

The school cafeteria will be used as a "soup kitchen" to provide food to those participating in the project. The space will also be used for students to make bag lunches for Crossroads RI in Providence.

Students will also be served the same bagged lunches as their only meal. Under no circumstances will the students be sleeping in the school, organizers said.

Check in is Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the high school. Once checked in, participants will remain overnight until 7 a.m. Sunday morning.

Registration is available online by going to www.bowri.org and clicking on the project hope link. Permission slips, sponsorship forms and medical release forms can be downloaded there.

Entrance to the sleep-out will not be allowed without a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian. All participants are encouraged to obtain sponsors for the sleep-out. Students are asked to collect a minimum of $20 in sponsorships. One-third of all funds raised through student pledges will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The students are asked to bring their sponsorship form to the Project Hope sleep-out, get it signed and stamped in the morning after they complete the sleep out and collect their pledges. All proceeds from the sponsorships will go to charities for the homeless.

People are also encouraged to bring food, clothing and personal care items to the "donation station" in the student parking lot from noon until 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 29.

BOW will provide cardboard boxes for shelter. Participants should bring a sleeping bag, tarp or plastic sheeting, blanket and adequate warm clothing (including hats, gloves, extra socks). Electronics including cameras, cell phones and handheld video games are discouraged. Outside food and drink will not be permitted.

By Joan Warren

jwarren@eastbaynewspapers.com

Play is tonight

What: But For the Grace, a one-man play about hunger in America

When: Tonight, March 19 at 7 p.m.

Where: Barrington High School

Cost: Food or monetary donation suggested

How you can help with March 29 sleep-out

Sponsor a youth

Donate food, clothing or money to help the homeless and hungry. A "donation station" will be set up at the high school on March 29 from noon until 7 p.m. Items needed include canned goods, clothing and personal care products.

Volunteer as a chaperone or medical personnel at the event.

Go to www.bowri.org for more information, or write to projecthope@bowri.org.

Homeless film screening in Barrington

"Lost in Woonsocket" will be shown Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John's Church. The film chronicles the hope-filled life of two homeless men. One of the film's subjects, Normand Cartier, will be at the March 29 sleep-out to talk to those who attend the event.

Copyright © 2003, The East Bay Newspapers